Discussion
My child becomes upset when I can't guess what he's drawn. Help? Try responding with, “Tell me about your picture.” My mom, a former first grade teacher, passed along this very useful phrase as I started teaching and would have students proudly present their latest masterpieces that were often hard to identify.
Personal & Social Skills
Discussion
My preschooler won't tell me about her day. How do I encourage her to open up? It isn't uncommon that a child responds with such a question with not much more than, "Fine!" or "Not much!" While it might be tough to get a conversation started, a few simple things might encourage them to tell you more about their day at school. It is important to ask the right question at the right time. At preschool, it is common ...
Personal & Social Skills
Discussion
How can I encourage my child to speak in front of his class? The key is to provide your child with plenty of opportunities to communicate in a variety of contexts. Start with relatively “low-pressure” experiences like ordering food at a restaurant or asking for help locating a specific item in a store. Gradually, introduce more performance-based opportunities like reading aloud to a family membe...
Personal & Social Skills
Discussion
How can I change the focus of the holidays away from just gifts? One way to take the focus off of gifts during the holiday season is to reach out to others in need. You can do this by taking your child to visit a nursing home, or by providing meals for families who might otherwise not be able to afford them. Have your child go shopping with you and choose a toy to donate. Take this opportunity to ta...
Personal & Social Skills
Discussion
What should I do if my son is given an inappropriate toy? It can be difficult when your child receives an inappropriate toy from a well-meaning relative or friend, particularly because your son will likely be very excited to take it out of the box and play with it right away. If it is a safety issue, politely explain to your son that while the toy is nice, it is not safe for him to play with....
Personal & Social Skills
Discussion
How can I teach my son to be a gracious loser? No one likes to lose, but it is important for young children to learn how to accept loss without feeling bitter or bad about themselves. Begin by acknowledging your son's feelings and let him know that it is okay to feel disappointed, sad, or angry when he loses. Explain that while it is okay to have these feelings, it is not okay to g...
Personal & Social Skills
Discussion
Should I tell my daughter the truth if she ask me about Santa? Whether you decide to tell your daughter the truth about Santa Claus is a personal choice, and will differ for parents depending on their own beliefs and values. It might be helpful to ask yourself why you think you should tell your child the truth about Santa Claus. Are you worried that if you continue to perpetuate your child’s belie...
Personal & Social Skills
Discussion
Should I ask my preschooler to make a New Year's resolution? Talking to children about New Year’s resolutions is a great way to teach them about the importance of setting goals and self-discipline. Take this opportunity to work together as a family and come up with a resolution you can all take part in – whether it is to be more active and go on a walk together every weekend or to help someone i...
Personal & Social Skills
Activity
Freeze dance! Dancing gives children an appreciation of music, and builds strength and coordination. Plus, it's so much fun!
Creativity & Life Skills
Discussion
How much screen time is appropriate for a 4- to 5-year-old? According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), young children should be limited to less than two hours of screen time a day. It is important to highlight that screen time not only refers to watching television, but time on the computer, tablet, and electronic games. The AAP also recommends parents make children’s bedrooms a “sc...
Personal & Social Skills
Discussion
How can I make Easter a healthier holiday? One way to make Easter healthier is to skip the chocolate and fill up your child’s Easter basket with some non-sugary treats. Books make great gifts at any time of the year, including Easter. Three of my favorite Easter themed books are “Marshmallow” by Clare Turlay Newberry, “The Easter Egg” by Jan Brett, and “The Story of the Easter ...
Personal & Social Skills
Article
Delicioso Cinco de Mayo Celebrate this festive Mexican holiday with special dishes, fiesta games, mariachi music and a pinata!
Personal & Social Skills